The Voter Education Project (VEP) began in 1962 as part of the Southern Regional Council. Initially VEP granted funds to civil rights organizations to support voter education, voter registration drives, and voting-related research. In 1964, Vernon Jordan, the second executive director of the VEP, expanded the programs goals to include citizenship training, voter education, and leadership training in the southern United States, while continuing to provide funds to independent voter and civil rights groups, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the League of Women Voters. The VEP’s work with the League of Women Voters is highlighted in the materials below. In 1971, VEP under the leadership of John Lewis, became an independent organization and functioned as a research center and became known as an authoritative source for statistics on southern elections and voter registration in general. Lewis also forged the VEP into an activist organization, launching Voter Mobilization Tours with Georgia state legislator and civil rights advocate Julian Bond. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Sep 4, 2020

Voter Education Project Organizational Records

The Voter Education Project (VEP) began in 1962 as part of the Southern Regional Council. Initially VEP granted funds to civil rights organizations to support voter education, voter registration drives, and voting-related research. In 1964, Vernon Jordan, the second executive director of the VEP, expanded the programs goals to include citizenship training, voter education, and leadership training in the southern United States, while continuing to provide funds to independent voter and civil rights groups, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the League of Women Voters. The VEP’s work with the League of Women Voters is highlighted in the materials below. In 1971, VEP under the leadership of John Lewis, became an independent organization and functioned as a research center and became known as an authoritative source for statistics on southern elections and voter registration in general. Lewis also forged the VEP into an activist organization, launching Voter Mobilization Tours with Georgia state legislator and civil rights advocate Julian Bond.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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Newspaper article featuring the sentiments of John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, as he discussed the importance of voting and the challenges facing voter registration efforts in the South. Lewis argued that voter apathy and cynicism were among the major obstacles to increasing voter turnout, especially among young people. He also cited the lack of universal voter registration and the intimidation of Black voters by law enforcement as problems that needed to be addressed. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Apathy Irks Man Who Fought For Vote", October 10, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-10
Description
Newspaper article featuring the sentiments of John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, as he discussed the importance of voting and the challenges facing voter registration efforts in the South. Lewis argued that voter apathy and cynicism were among the major obstacles to increasing voter turnout, especially among young people. He also cited the lack of universal voter registration and the intimidation of Black voters by law enforcement as problems that needed to be addressed. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper book review of Abigail Themstrom's "Whose Votes Count: Affirmative Action and Minority Voting Rights", which examined the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its impact on minority representation in government. Themstrom argued that the act had been distorted from its original intent and that the current focus on proportional representation was misguided. She believed that the act should be amended to focus on equality of opportunity, rather than equality of outcomes. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Beginning with Voting", February 20, 1989
Date Created
1989-02-20
Description
Newspaper book review of Abigail Themstrom's "Whose Votes Count: Affirmative Action and Minority Voting Rights", which examined the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its impact on minority representation in government. Themstrom argued that the act had been distorted from its original intent and that the current focus on proportional representation was misguided. She believed that the act should be amended to focus on equality of opportunity, rather than equality of outcomes. 4 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing Black leaders rallying in support of Vernon Jordan, who criticized the Carter administration's record on civil rights and social programs. Benjamin Hooks, executive director of the NAACP, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson also echoed Jordan's criticisms. Carter defended his record, but there were indications that a rift was developing between the White House and Black leaders. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Leaders Support Jordan Attack on Carter", July 27, 1977
Date Created
1977-07-27
Description
Newspaper article discussing Black leaders rallying in support of Vernon Jordan, who criticized the Carter administration's record on civil rights and social programs. Benjamin Hooks, executive director of the NAACP, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson also echoed Jordan's criticisms. Carter defended his record, but there were indications that a rift was developing between the White House and Black leaders. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis's statements at the Institute on Nonviolence and Social Change, where he argued that the philosophy of nonviolence was still important years after the civil rights movement's end. He said that nonviolence was an "ongoing process" towards the building of a community of justice and peace, and that the nonviolent movement of the 1960s was merely a bridge over troubled waters. 1 page
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Civil Rights Leader Says Nonviolence Still Needed", July 28, 1976
Date Created
1976-07-28
Description
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis's statements at the Institute on Nonviolence and Social Change, where he argued that the philosophy of nonviolence was still important years after the civil rights movement's end. He said that nonviolence was an "ongoing process" towards the building of a community of justice and peace, and that the nonviolent movement of the 1960s was merely a bridge over troubled waters. 1 page
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper op-ed commending John R. Lewis for his long-time commitment to achieving civil rights for minority voters in the South, despite brutal and violent attempts to oppose civil rights efforts. The writer recognized Lewis as a civil rights icon who fought for equality and justice in the 1960s. Lewis was arrested 40 times and endured violence, but never gave up. Lewis also served as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project where he continued to fight for social change. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Courage Won the Victory", August 2, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-02
Description
Newspaper op-ed commending John R. Lewis for his long-time commitment to achieving civil rights for minority voters in the South, despite brutal and violent attempts to oppose civil rights efforts. The writer recognized Lewis as a civil rights icon who fought for equality and justice in the 1960s. Lewis was arrested 40 times and endured violence, but never gave up. Lewis also served as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project where he continued to fight for social change. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Harald Hamrin, jounalist for the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, addressed to John R. Lewis regarding Hamrin's attached article discussing Lewis' civil rights activities in America. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"De Svartas Kampanda Ska Vackas", October 18, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-18
Description
Correspondence from Harald Hamrin, jounalist for the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, addressed to John R. Lewis regarding Hamrin's attached article discussing Lewis' civil rights activities in America. 3 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing the launch of the Voter Education Project in the form of a voter registration drive in Macon, Georgia. The project was to focus on the Unionville and Murphy Homes sections of town and work to register as many people as possible. The project was created to organize the communities and educate residents about the importance of voting. The project was led by James Bulloch, a staff worker for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Bulloch was active in the SCOPE project the summer prior, which registered over 3,000 new voters in Macon and Bibb County. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Education Project Begins Monday", March 12, 1966
Date Created
1966-03-12
Description
Newspaper article discussing the launch of the Voter Education Project in the form of a voter registration drive in Macon, Georgia. The project was to focus on the Unionville and Murphy Homes sections of town and work to register as many people as possible. The project was created to organize the communities and educate residents about the importance of voting. The project was led by James Bulloch, a staff worker for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Bulloch was active in the SCOPE project the summer prior, which registered over 3,000 new voters in Macon and Bibb County. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing the U.S. Senate voting down of an amendment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that would have expanded the law to all 50 states. The amendment was proposed by Sen. Herman Talmadge, who argued that the law should be applied to all areas of the country where minority voting participation has been low. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Expanded Vote Act Refused by Senate", July 23, 1975
Date Created
1975-07-23
Description
Newspaper article describing the U.S. Senate voting down of an amendment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that would have expanded the law to all 50 states. The amendment was proposed by Sen. Herman Talmadge, who argued that the law should be applied to all areas of the country where minority voting participation has been low. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Felton Capel receives commendation for being elected to the Southern Pines town council for a fith term.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Felton Capel Celebrates Fifth Term to Town Council in Southern Pines, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Felton Capel receives commendation for being elected to the Southern Pines town council for a fith term.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing President Ford's signing of a seven-year extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, despite warnings from some political advisers that it could harm his conservative image in the South. The legislation was passed by Congress over the objections of some Southern lawmakers, who argued that it was punitive and unfairly regional in scope. Ford's decision to sign the bill was praised by civil rights leaders, who said it was a victory for democracy. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ford in Publicity Glare For Voter Rights Signing", August 7, 1975
Date Created
1975-08-07
Description
Newspaper article describing President Ford's signing of a seven-year extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, despite warnings from some political advisers that it could harm his conservative image in the South. The legislation was passed by Congress over the objections of some Southern lawmakers, who argued that it was punitive and unfairly regional in scope. Ford's decision to sign the bill was praised by civil rights leaders, who said it was a victory for democracy. 1 page.
Subject
Presidents, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Gerald Blessey talks to an audience of people during his political campaign.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Gerald Blessey Speaks to People During His Political Campaign, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Gerald Blessey talks to an audience of people during his political campaign.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Gerald Blessey talks to a group of young people during his political campaign.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Gerald Blessey Speaks With a Group of Young Voters, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Gerald Blessey talks to a group of young people during his political campaign.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing two Southern politicians, Bob Bullock of Texas and Zell Miller of Georgia, public support of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Bullock stated that the law was working and protecting the right to vote, while Miller stated that it should be extended to the entire nation. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Good Old Boys in the New South", November 30, 1975
Date Created
1975-11-30
Description
Newspaper article describing two Southern politicians, Bob Bullock of Texas and Zell Miller of Georgia, public support of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Bullock stated that the law was working and protecting the right to vote, while Miller stated that it should be extended to the entire nation. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A group of young black boyscouts smile for a photo.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Group of Boyscouts Pose for a Photo, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A group of young black boyscouts smile for a photo.
Subject
Children, Civil rights movements, Recreation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A group of VEP event attendees pose for a photo outside of a building.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Group of VEP Event Attendees Pose for a Photo, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A group of VEP event attendees pose for a photo outside of a building.
Subject
African American civic rights workers, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A group of VEP workers talk, while one of the workers writes down notes.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Group of VEP Workers Talk, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A group of VEP workers talk, while one of the workers writes down notes.
Subject
African American civic rights workers, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper op-ed by John R Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, calling on the United States to withdraw its support for the apartheid government of South Africa. Lewis argued that the United States was morally obligated to support majority rule in South Africa and that its current policies are only prolonging the suffering of Black South Africans. He proposed a number of concrete steps that the United States could take to end apartheid, including isolating South Africa from public and private support, participating in the United Nations embargo against South Africa, and repealing the Byrd Amendment. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis: Beginning Steps For South Africa", December 25, 1976
Date Created
1976-12-25
Description
Newspaper op-ed by John R Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, calling on the United States to withdraw its support for the apartheid government of South Africa. Lewis argued that the United States was morally obligated to support majority rule in South Africa and that its current policies are only prolonging the suffering of Black South Africans. He proposed a number of concrete steps that the United States could take to end apartheid, including isolating South Africa from public and private support, participating in the United Nations embargo against South Africa, and repealing the Byrd Amendment. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article from The Atlanta Constitution endorsing John R. Lewis for the Fifth District congressional seat in an upcoming special election after it was vacated by Andrew Young after his appointment to the United Nations. Among its reasons for endorsing Lewis as a worthy successor to Young, the Constitution primarily believed that he would be a strong advocate for the people of the district. The Constitution also noted that Lewis was an original freedom rider and leader of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, emphasizing his deep understanding of the political process and the problems facing the Fifth District. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis", March 10, 1977
Date Created
1977-03-10
Description
Newspaper article from The Atlanta Constitution endorsing John R. Lewis for the Fifth District congressional seat in an upcoming special election after it was vacated by Andrew Young after his appointment to the United Nations. Among its reasons for endorsing Lewis as a worthy successor to Young, the Constitution primarily believed that he would be a strong advocate for the people of the district. The Constitution also noted that Lewis was an original freedom rider and leader of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, emphasizing his deep understanding of the political process and the problems facing the Fifth District. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding John Lewis role as the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), an organization that worked to increase Black and minority voter registration and participation in the South. Lewis was a leading figure in the civil rights movement, and he was one of the speakers at the March on Washington in 1963. He was committed to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote, and he believed that voting was essential to a healthy democracy. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis Preaches That Winning the Ballot Isn't Enough. Everybody Needs To Use It", October 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-31
Description
Newspaper article regarding John Lewis role as the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), an organization that worked to increase Black and minority voter registration and participation in the South. Lewis was a leading figure in the civil rights movement, and he was one of the speakers at the March on Washington in 1963. He was committed to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote, and he believed that voting was essential to a healthy democracy. 8 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
John R. Lewis addresses a small crowd of people.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
John R. Lewis Addresses a Small Crowd, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
John R. Lewis addresses a small crowd of people.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records